Google has some success with the Pixel 2, 3 and 4 series of phones in various markets in the select markets. Unforunately, as 5G network is not readily available in Singapore, Google will not launch their 5G Pixel phones in Singapore this 4th Quarter.
According to Google blog post, the 4a (5G) will be priced at USD 499 (~SGD 683) and will only be available in U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and Australia.
Although Google makes impressive phones with it’s computational photography and is highly sought after, it seems to lack the channels to distribute it’s hardware has not improve a lot since Pixel 2. To date, Pixel phones are only availabled in around 10 selected countries/regions. In Singapore only 2 of the 4 telcos in Singapore carries the product. The other sales channels are their own Google Store and participating retailers.
It is puzzling, why is it that Google is still having so limited distribution channels for it’s Pixel phones. Sources claimed that they won’t launch as nobody will buy a 5G phone to run on a 4G network. True in a sense but why then Samsung, Oppo or Xiaomi can launch their hybrid 4G/5G phones gloabally and people are snapping them up.
It is quite a disappointment that the 5G variants of the phones won’t make it to the Singapore market. I hope they change their stance and launch it.
Google should listen to customer’s feedback and work on things that are long overdued. e.g. VoLTE, VoWIFI support for all telcos, larger battery (still 3000mAh on Pixel 4a).
This fall, we’ll have two more devices to talk about: the Pixel 4a (5G), starting at $499, and Pixel 5, both with 5G2 to make streaming videos, downloading content and playing games on Stadia or other platforms faster and smoother than ever.
Pixel 4a (5G) and Pixel 5 will be available in the U.S., Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, France, Germany, Japan, Taiwan and Australia. In the coming months, we’ll share more about these devices3 and our approach to 5G. In the meantime, be sure to sign up to be the first to hear more.